Paris based R&B artist Faith Richards recently released her single “good girl” and it’s an empowering anthem that we all could learn from. With an underlying message of living unapologetically yourself, the track stems from Richards upbringing in a strict religion, where she was told what was right and what was wrong. Unable to express who she truly was, “good girl” is all about refusing to be put in a box.
The vibey song emits a mesmeric atmosphere, with Richard’s silky, soulful vocals gliding over glittering synths and pulsating beats. “good girl” is totally addictive, as you find yourself singing along to every word and hitting repeat.
Noctis Magazine spoke with Faith Richards about the new single, her Mormon upbringing and her tips for radiating bad bitch energy!
Congratulations on your single “good girl.” The track narrates your desire to not be put in a box. Can you tell us more about where this originated from and how does it feel now to have released this song?
Thank you! I grew up Mormon, and constantly on the move with 5 other siblings, so it always felt like I was just ticking boxes to fit in and not disappoint anyone. I didn’t realize at the time that I was doing everything I could to be liked, so much so that I didn’t really know who I was. good girl was my way of saying, “actually, I have so many layers to me and I’m done hiding them”. It’s been about 5 years since I really started stepping into my authenticity, but it feels great to have this part of me out there for my fans in a light-hearted, fun way.
Having grown up Mormon, have there been any challenges in releasing music that speaks about themes that the religion may not align with?
Oh absolutely. I love creating baby-making music, which of course doesn’t align with my old values. When I first started dressing how I wanted to, singing my truth, getting tattoos, and drinking (which, fun fact, I waited until after I turned 21 and had left the church for my first sip of alcohol), I had a few “I’m disappointed in you” messages from Mormons. The thing is, it’s not my job to make other people comfortable or proud of me. They either get it, or they don’t. I don’t need everyone to like me anymore, and that is soooo freeing. I have my own relationship with God, and Him and I are pretty good right now. I think religion is great for some people, and there is a lot of good intent in it, so I’m not shading all Mormons. I just wish more people could come from a place of love and compassion, like what they preach, and understand we are all different and find purpose and connection with God in different ways.
Your music is all about being unapologetically yourself. Do you have any advice for others who may be struggling with their self-expression and identity?
Honestly, just take your time and be patient with yourself. You’re not going to figure yourself out overnight or in a month or even in a year. You’re constantly changing and discovering more about yourself. Focus on what makes you happy, what excites you, what helps to calm you, and people who energize and inspire versus drain you. And slowly start to express those new parts of you, or those parts that you’ve kept hidden to fit in. Go at your own pace and find strength from whatever God you believe in. There’s no race or finish line. The more you authentically express yourself, the better people you will have in your life and the clearer your purpose will be. I actually have a song called I Trust Where I’m Going that I wrote after a panic attack to remind myself to trust the process.
Radiating bad bitch energy, do you have a morning ritual that helps you lean into this role?
If I’m being honest, it changes with the seasons. During the winter I’m having later starts compared to the summer when I’m more motivated to be up early. This year I started the 6-Minute Diary which has been very helpful during this season. I start the day writing what I’m grateful for, my affirmation of the day, and how I plan to make the day great. I always take care of my skin with a toner and lotion in the morning. And I eat breakfast and have a coffee before exercising (3-5 times a week usually). Sometimes I listen to affirmations in the morning while I’m getting out of bed, and currently I have some Deepak Chopra affirmations on my front door that I do before I leave my apartment. Speaking to yourself kindly and confidently works wonders in radiating that bad bitch energy.
You’re currently based in Paris but have lived a nomadic lifestyle. Can you tell us where else you’ve lived and if those places have inspired your sound?
I hope you have a few minutes, because that list is long haha. In order, I was born in Oklahoma, but lived there for under one year, then Alaska, a few different cities in Kansas, Colorado, then Nottingham, England in multiple towns, then back to Kansas, then California and now Paris, France. I lived in 18 different homes by the time I was 21, and attended 9 schools. So when I say music kept me sane as a kid, I mean it! I didn’t have any consistency in my life, so I’m eternally grateful to have had music. Without a doubt the different music genres that were popular and different types of people I met have had a huge impact on not only my music but on me. I grew up listening to such a mix of genres from jazz and contemporary pop to R&B/Soul to pop-rock to hip hop. I love it all, but R&B has the biggest part in my heart.
Your music touches on a variety of genres and moods. Do you have a particular one that you prefer or feel is most representative of who you are?
Not necessarily, because they all are me. Sometimes I’m heartbroken, sometimes I’m insecure, sometimes I’m feeling sensual and confident and sometimes I want to talk sh*t about an ex haha. They are all parts of me, the good, the bad, and the ugly. But if I were to choose one song of mine that would be the first song someone would listen to, I think it would be Shower Me from my 2022 album. I listen to a lot of chill, neo-soul music to calm my anxiety and inspire me, and I hope this song does the same for others. It’s also a mix of my sadness and confidence, and represents a big part of my journey in understanding and finding myself.
You’ve also released another new single, “I Please Her”. Can you tell us more about it?
Yes I love this song so much. I’ve been heavily resonating with this song’s message this past year. I start I Please Her speaking about myself, “She got an energy, an aura, something about her” and it’s one of the most Leo ways to introduce the song which makes me love it even more haha. I wanted to create a sexy, silky R&B track that de-centers men hence the line “don’t need no man to find my groove”. I wanted it to be this empowering song that encourages women to embrace their sensuality and discover the power their bodies hold. It doesn’t need to be taboo or awkward to talk about. It’s actually a beautiful and spiritual experience to explore your body. You’re born with it and you die with it, so you might as well try to understand it. I wrote this as a passionate love song to myself, but in hopes it could help other women feel more confident in their skin. So many women, including myself, have experienced sexual trauma and shame, and I wanted I Please Her to bring the attention back to the beauty in female pleasure being a spiritual adventure instead of something that oftentimes is thought of as risqué.
You’re very experimental with your music, where can we see your sound going in the future?
I love experimenting with different sub-genres within R&B and definitely want to do more of that. I hope that I never try to stay inside the box, and keep testing different ways of expressing myself musically, but still in a way that is authentic to me. I’ve been working on my next project and have a few singles from it being released this year. I’m super excited for what’s next.
What else does 2024 hold for Faith Richards?
I’m not quite sure, but I know that whatever it holds, I’m trusting the process. I’m ready to take off, and I know my career is on the verge of something truly special. I’m ready for the entire world to know my art, but I will be enjoying all of the little and big things until then. I’m currently planning a few concerts in Paris and radio interviews, as well as the visual content for my upcoming releases and some fashion editorial shoots. It’s going to be a groundbreaking year – I just know it.
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Photographer: Bassel Kharrat
Words: Alexander Williams